At Home and at the Doctor: A Health Blog

21 February 2020

Hearing Aid Basics

If you have been struggling with any degree of hearing loss, you might be considering the possibility of hearing aids to help you restore what you've lost. However, it isn't necessarily as simple as just going to the doctor and getting any hearing aid device. You need to choose the right one for you. Here's a look at what you need to consider.

How Much Hearing Loss Have You Suffered?

Certain types of hearing aids are designed specifically for those with minimal hearing loss who only need minor amplification to hear clearly. Other devices are crafted for those with more profound loss. It's important that you work with your doctor to determine your degree of hearing loss so that you can choose an aid that will deliver the improvements that you need.

How Many Channels Do You Need?

When your doctor evaluates your hearing loss, he or she will test a variety of different frequencies to see what you can and cannot hear clearly. The results of this will determine how many channels you need on your hearing aid. If you need different amplification for several different frequencies, you'll need multiple channels to provide this. Make sure you take the time to understand the details of your hearing loss diagnosis to get the device that's right for you.

How Will A Hearing Aid Fit Your Ear?

You also need to think about how a hearing aid will fit your ear. There are many different types of hearing aids to choose from, including those that fit both in and over your ear. If you have small ears, you may find that an in-ear hearing aid is uncomfortable. On the other hand, an over-the-ear device may be too visible for your liking. In-ear hearing aids come in a variety of sizes, so you're sure to be able to find one that's an ideal size for your ear.

How Many Features Do You Need?

Hearing aids have become more technologically advanced over the years. You can find hearing aids with automatic volume adjustments for noisy situations, ambient noise filtering, Bluetooth connectivity, and more. Consider your lifestyle and think about which features will best fit your needs, then narrow down your options to the hearing aid styles that fit.

If you've been debating investing in hearing aids to compensate for your hearing loss, talk with your doctor today. He or she can help you explore your options.

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About Me

Most people, when they think about health, picture a doctor's office. Indeed, your doctor is a key contributor to your health. They check your vital signs, prescribe medicine when necessary, and can even send you for surgery when a more serious ailment arises. But health care does not just take place in the doctor's office. It's all-encompassing. What you do at home matters; how much exercise you get, what you eat, and how well you sleep all have a huge impact on your health. If you are interesting in learning more about health from an array of perspectives, check out the articles on this blog.